The United States has seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to breach an American naval blockade near the Strait of Hormuz. The USS Spruance intercepted the vessel and, when the crew refused to comply, disabled it by blowing a hole in its engine room. US Marines subsequently took custody of the vessel and its contents. The incident occurs amid heightened tensions and ongoing negotiations, with the Strait of Hormuz blockade emerging as a major sticking point.
Eight children were killed in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana on Sunday morning during a domestic disturbance. The victims ranged from 1 to about 14 years old. The suspected shooter, who was related to some of the children, led police on a vehicle chase and was fatally shot by officers in Bossier City. Police Chief Wayne Smith described the three-location crime scene as unlike anything most officers have ever seen. Louisiana State Police are investigating the incident at Shreveport police's request.
Trump announced U.S. negotiators will travel to Islamabad on Monday for another round of talks with Iran aimed at ending U.S.-Israel military operations. The announcement came amid escalating tensions after Iran reportedly fired at ships in the Strait of Hormuz, violating a two-week ceasefire. Trump threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure if no deal is reached. Both sides remain divided on Iran's nuclear program and control of the strategic waterway.
Manchester City host Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday in a match that could decide the Premier League title. Arsenal hold a six-point lead but City, who have a game in hand, are in devastating form, having beaten Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea by a combined 9-0. Guardiola has warned the title race will be over if Arsenal win. Arsenal travel without Bukayo Saka and have not won at the Etihad since January 2015.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced Sunday that his government will propose Tuesday that the EU terminate its Association Agreement with Israel, arguing that governments violating international law cannot be Europe's partners. Sánchez described the ongoing conflict as "an immense error" that has cost thousands of lives, millions of displaced persons, and significant economic losses. The announcement follows a European Citizens' Initiative that reached one million signatures on April 14 requesting the suspension.
A fire destroyed approximately 200 homes in Sandakan's Kampung Bahagia water village on April 19, displacing around 445 people. The blaze broke out at 1:32 a.m. and spread rapidly through densely packed wooden houses on stilts. Firefighters faced challenges from strong winds, low tide reducing water access, and narrow access routes. No casualties were reported. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the federal government was coordinating relief efforts with Sabah authorities.
Rumen Radev won Bulgaria's snap elections with about 37-39% of the vote, making his party Bulgaria Progresista the clear winner in the country's eighth parliamentary election in five years. The former Air Force commander, who resigned from the presidency in January, will need to form a coalition government. His victory has raised concerns in Brussels about potential shifts in Bulgaria's foreign policy regarding support for Ukraine. The conservative GERB party came second with around 16% of the vote.
A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that began Thursday night is already showing signs of collapse, with Israeli forces conducting demolitions, artillery shelling and land-clearing operations within hours of the agreement. Israel is demanding permanent military control of a 10-kilometer zone inside southern Lebanon, prohibiting residents from returning to 55 towns. Hezbollah has condemned the deal as an insult, while the US and Israel dispute whether bombing is permitted. Analysts warn the truce may legitimize occupation under ceasefire cover.
Bulgarians voted Sunday in parliamentary elections that exit polls show former President Rumen Radev's coalition winning around 32 percent of the vote, more than double the 18 percent for former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's GERB party. This marks Bulgaria's eighth election in five years, underscoring the country's deep political instability. Turnout reached approximately 40 percent, reflecting widespread voter fatigue. The fragmented results will make government formation formidable, with multiple parties expected to enter parliament.
Pope Leo addressed approximately 200,000 worshippers at an open-air mass in Kilamba, Angola, on Sunday. The pontiff, the first U.S. pope in history, condemned "despots and tyrants" who he said prioritize wealth over their people's welfare. Angola, one of sub-Saharan Africa's leading oil producers, has more than 30 percent of its 36.6 million population living on less than $2.15 per day despite its natural resources. The mass marked the second day of his visit to the resource-rich nation, the third stop on his four-nation Africa tour.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer will address MPs on Monday in what allies are calling his 'judgment day' over the Peter Mandelson vetting scandal. Starmer appointed Lord Mandelson as UK ambassador to Washington despite the former cabinet minister's ongoing relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and business ties to China. A leaked WhatsApp exchange suggests Downing Street may have known about vetting concerns as early as September, raising questions about whether Starmer misled Parliament. Olly Robbins, the top civil servant at the Foreign Office, was sacked over the affair.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran seeks to end its conflict with the United States "with dignity" as the first direct US-Iran negotiations in years continue in Pakistan. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, leading the Iranian delegation, said progress has been made but fundamental gaps remain on nuclear issues and control of the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides face a looming ceasefire deadline while Iran warns it remains prepared for war. Civilians inside Iran face devastated infrastructure and fear repression may intensify after any peace deal.
Shamim Mafi, a 44-year-old lawful permanent U.S. resident, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on Saturday on suspicion of trafficking weapons for the Iranian government. Prosecutors allege she brokered the sale of Iranian drones, bombs, and ammunition worth more than $70 million to Sudan through an Oman-registered company. Court documents show she allegedly maintained direct contact with Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security between December 2022 and June 2025. She faces up to 20 years in federal prison if convicted.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a video address Sunday that Canada's close economic ties to the United States, once a strength, have become vulnerabilities amid deteriorating relations. Trump administration tariffs have severely impacted Canadian workers in auto, steel and aluminum industries. Carney referenced Canada's resistance during the War of 1812, invoking historical figures General Isaac Brock and Chief Tecumseh. He promised regular updates and said he would "never sugar-coat" the challenges ahead as Canada seeks to reduce its dependence on U.S. trade.
The U.S. Navy seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after it refused to halt, with Marines taking custody, according to President Trump. Iran simultaneously rejected a new round of peace talks proposed by the U.S., escalating tensions as a ceasefire deadline approaches. Stock futures tumbled with the Dow shedding 425 points, while oil prices surged 7% to $90.33 per barrel. Trump also threatened to bomb Iranian infrastructure if no deal is reached.
The International Energy Agency warns of potential jet fuel supply disruptions across Europe as Iranian bombings have damaged refineries throughout the Persian Gulf. Jet fuel prices have surged to $150 per barrel, prompting airlines to cancel non-strategic routes and signaling inevitable ticket increases. The Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world's jet fuel flows, remains a critical chokepoint. Europe depends on Middle Eastern refineries for 75 percent of its aviation fuel, and damage cannot be repaired quickly even if shipping resumed immediately.